Texans: Jadeveon Clowney named to second straight Pro Bowl

Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney has been selected to participate in the Pro Bowl. This is Clowney’s second straight season being named to the Pro Bowl roster. He is one of two Texans players who have been selected to the Pro Bowl this season. Clowney posted a tweet thanking everyone for the honor.

Clowney is enjoying a fantastic season and is the sack leader for the Texans. Currently with a career-high nine sacks, Clowney could increase that total over the final two games. The talented pass rusher is is more than capable of getting to the opposing team’s quarterback. Athleticism and strength allow Clowney to be a premier pass rusher in the NFL. Clowney has also recovered a career-high three fumbles including one returned for a touchdown. This type of dynamic play is why Clowney is going to the Pro Bowl and representing the Texans.

Clowney has built upon his success from last season without quality pass rushers around him. Whitney Mercilus and J.J. Watt suffered season-ending injuries earlier this season and this allows opposing offenses to scheme to keep Clowney away from their quarterback. Even with this Clowney has still been successful in getting to the quarterback. The Texans defense has struggled overall without Mercilus and Watt however Clowney continues to produce.

With a combined 50 tackles, Clowney should eclipse his previous career-high of 52 combined tackles. Clowney is able to accumulate more tackles due to the lack of talent on the defensive side of the ball. Injuries have plagued the Texans and Clowney has picked up the slack. Some of the production is a result of injuries to other starters. Overall his production is due to his elite skill set. In the end it is a combination of both of these factors.

Early on in his career there were concerns about Clowney’s health. Now that Clowney has appeared in at least 14 games in two straight seasons, health is no longer an issue. As long as he stays healthy, Clowney can play the entire season for the first time in his career. This is a great step in ending the discussion about his health.

Earning a Pro Bowl selection is an honor for an NFL player. Playing at a high enough level to earn a second straight selection proves how hard a player works at his craft. Clowney will take the opportunity to prove himself to the league and the Texans fans who voted for him to make the Pro Bowl.